Moments after the final whistle blew on Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Benin, Lionel Messi stood in the middle of the Estadio Monumental pitch, to address the home crowd one last time.
Standing alongside his family and World Cup-winning teammates, the 39-year-old captain delivered a deeply emotional speech directly to the 85,000 supporters in the stands.
He said:
“I’d have loved to be here with Argentina forever, until the end of my life… but it’s time to retire. After the last World Cup, it’s time to say goodbye. Thanks because representing Argentina is the best thing ever.”
“I never gave up for this shirt. Always fighting, pushing and giving my best. For 20 years, I gave my best for Argentina. I have nothing left to do but thank this shirt. I gave it all.”
“The emotions tonight are incredible. Thank you, everyone. The first person I’m thinking of now, it’s my dad.”
Lasisi Toluwani
